34+ Best Platforms And Legit Ways To Make Money Reading Books 2024

Updated On: 07/14/2023
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I'm sure you've heard the phrase, "Do what you love and you'll never work a day in your life." Well, folks, it turns out it's possible to make money reading books.

Yes, you read that right! You can practically transform your love for words and stories into a money-making endeavor.

Let me unravel the intimate details of how anyone can earn cash while enjoying their favorite novels and textbooks.

Now, I'm not dangling a get-rich-quick scheme here but rather opening a door to opportunities that allow you to make money through your passion for books.

It's intriguing to think that something as pleasurable as getting lost in captivating narratives could actually fill up the piggy bank.

But rest assured, these methods are legitimate ways to earn some extra dough while immersing yourself in the world of literature.

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10 Best Platforms Where You Can Make Money Reading Books

10 Best Platforms Where You Can Make Money Reading Books

There's a misconception that reading books is an expensive pastime, but let's flip that idea on its head. Yes, you can actually make money through your love of literature! Here are 10 of the best platforms that pay you to read books:

Kirkus Review

Kirkus Review

Kirkus Review is one of the leading destinations for book enthusiasts who can provide insightful and detailed reviews.

They pay their reviewers to provide a decisive verdict on newly published works. Readers submit their opinions and are remunerated.

It's a perfect platform if you appreciate digging into fresh content and expressing your thoughts on it.

ACX

ACX

The Audiobook Creation Exchange (ACX) is an Amazon platform where writers and publishers collaborate with voice actors to turn their books into audiobooks.

If you're passionately interested in voice-overs and narrations, this platform might be the perfect fit for you!

ACX also offers opportunities for prooflisteners, who carefully listen to audiobooks for any minor mistakes or inaccuracies.

Findaway Voices

Findaway Voices

Another remarkable platform where readers can earn money is Findaway Voices. This destination provides an excellent outlet if your passion lies in audio storytelling.

With them, you can start your journey as a narrator regardless of your experience level– providing you with an exceptional opportunity to create a career path out of something enjoyable!

Booklist

Booklist

Booklist is a well-renowned publication providing reviews for public libraries and school K-12 libraries around US.

They occasionally seek freelancers to write reviews on adult or children’s books or media offerings like DVDs or audiobooks.(Booklist requests that reviewers interested in contributing apply by sending them writing samples from previous works and resume).

Voices

Voices

Voices is an excellent platform for motivated book enthusiasts looking to get paid for their impeccable reading skills.

As a global marketplace, Voices connects businesses with professional voice-over talents. So, if you have a voice that could set the scene and deliver compelling narratives to the listener's ear, then this platform might be your cash cow.

The process of setting up an account is relatively easy; sign up on their website and audition for open projects that interest you. [Remember, polishing your voice-over skills could significantly increase your earning potential!]

The US Review of Books

The US Review of Book’s

Next up on the list is The US Review of Books. This online publication focuses on providing professionally written reviews for authors and publishers alike.

How do you make money? Well, they are always in search of competent reviewers! If you are passionate about dissecting stories and discussing literary components articulately, your insights might make some serious coin.

Keep an eye on the Jobs section on website where they frequently post openings.

BookBrowse

BookBrowse

Welcome to BookBrowse, a place where your adoration for books could bear financial fruits! Serving as an online magazine for booklovers, BookBrowse offers exciting opportunities to read advance copies of books and write reviews about them.

Aside from being part-time reviewers, one can also take part in online discussions and contribute articles making this site very interactive. They encourage reviewers to express their honest opinions about the books which helps them maintain authenticity.

Reedsy Discovery

Reedsy Discovery

Say hello to Reedsy Discovery, a brilliant platform that bridges the gap between hardworking indie authors and avid readers who are on the hunt for something new.

As a reviewer here, not only do you get a chance to read fresh novels before they’re released but also earn money by reviewing these promising works!

A lovely bonus is - all revenue from reader memberships goes back directly to reviewers like yourself! Click here to learn more.

Upwork

Upwork

One cannot have a conversation about ways of making money online without mentioning Upwork. Famously known as a freelance platform where businesses connect with professionals offering various services, Upwork can be used by book lovers too!

How? Offer services such as proofreading/editing books or becoming beta readers who provide feedbacks on pre-releases of novels or other written content.

The invaluable experience gained here often opens doors to other higher paying opportunities in publishing industry Visit Upwork.

Online Book Club

Last but definitely not least we have Online Book Club, poised as one of the most reliable places to earn money by reading books online.

You get free books (including e-books), read at your comfort while getting paid - Sounds delightful, right? When starting off at OBC ,your initial few reviews might not pay.

But don't fret, this process is designed purposefully by OBC team to ascertain the quality of your review. The ball then starts rolling once trust has been built with consistently good reviews under belt. So what are you waiting for ? Surf Online Book Club’s website today!

24 Legitimate Ways to Make Money Reading Books

24 Legitimate Ways to Make Money Reading Books

In society today, countless avenues allow individuals to convert their passion for reading books into a valuable income source.

Understanding them allows you to turn a beloved pastime into something much more lucrative. Here are a couple of ways of making money from reading.

Get Paid to Read Emails: Simple reading tasks for income

Get Paid to Read Emails: Simple reading tasks for income

In an unexpected twist on the money-making scheme, InboxDollars and Vindale Research offer compensation simply for reading emails.

By just signing up on either platform, you can receive promotional emails, typically dashed with literary content.

Each email comes with a small task like visiting a website; easy enough for any reader to carry out. Gradually, these earnings add up substantial amounts over time.

  • Sign Up: Register for an account at Inboxdollars or vindaleresearch.
  • Receive Emails: Once registered, you'll begin receiving promotional emails.
  • Read and Execute: The paid emails will have simple instructions inside that you follow.
  • Get Paid: You earn cash rewards just by reading emails!

Focus Group Participation: Discuss new releases for compensation

Focus Group Participation: Discuss new releases for compensation

Reading enthusiasts can easily make money by voicing their opinions on new book releases through focus groups.

Survey Junkie is one platform where participants discuss literature and get paid! If offering your critique about novels is appealing, this might be perfect for you.

  • Join Survey Junkie: Register at Survey Junkie's website.
  • Answer Preliminary Questions: These help match you with appropriate focus group discussions.
  • Join Online Discussions: Offer your views on new literary pieces.
  • Accumulate Points For Every Discussion: These points can be redeemed later as cash or gift cards.

Manuscript Reading: Read and approve manuscripts

Manuscript Reading: Read and approve manuscripts

Manuscript reading is a unique and fascinating opportunity where you can help authors fine-tune their drafts before they hit the bookstores.

Websites such as Crowdworks and Beta Bound act as a platform connecting these authors with readers who get paid for their time.

How does it work?

In a nutshell, you get to read advance copies of books or articles, and your task includes providing feedback on plot strength, character development, overall readability, or spotting gaps in the storyline.

The main goal is to provide constructive criticism that will enhance the book's quality and coherence.

Proofreading Jobs: Provide editing services

Proofreading Jobs: Provide editing services

If you have an eagle eye for grammar mistakes and typos, proofreading could be the perfect money-making opportunity for you.

There are numerous online platforms like Scribendi and Upwork where you can find proofreading assignments.

Getting started

Firstly, creating an account on these platforms is typically free. Once your profile has been set up, you can browse through available jobs posted by clients worldwide.

The scope ranges from proofreading entire novels to checking short articles for errors.

Strong grammatical skills are essential here since your role is to ensure that the document is error-free before publication.

With each successful assignment completion, besides earning money, your credibility as a reliable proofreader increases.

Audiobook Narration: Narrate literature drafts

Audiobook Narration: Narrate literature drafts

Audiobook narration merges passion for literature with performance art—transforming written text into engaging oral stories that captivate listeners' attention.

Platforms like ACX (Audible's marketplace) and Brilliance Publishing, allow narrators (both beginners and professionals) to audition for available book narration projects.

Steps to start

To get started with audiobook narration:

  • Create accounts on audiobook platforms - ACX or Brilliance Audio.
  • Complete your profile - Include details about your voice type (e.g., warm & deep for narrations), experiences if any.
  • Upload samples of your work - Choose a script from different genres (e.g., romance novel) showcasing your ability to bring stories alive through voice modulation.
  • Search through available projects - If there's a good fit with what clients are looking for, submit an audition.
  • Accept work offers & begin narrating books!

Remember that when it comes to professions like audiobook narration - practice makes perfect!

Even if not chosen initially keep enhancing vocal delivery techniques because there’s always room for improvement.

Copyediting Services: Review and correct drafts of books

Copyediting Services: Review and correct drafts of books

Copyediting is a process in which an individual reviews and corrects written material to ensure its accuracy.

It mostly involves checking grammar, punctuation, spelling, and syntax for errors. If you have a keen eye for detail and a good grip on English grammar rules, copyediting services could be your money-spinner.

Platforms like Fiverr and Upwork allow you to start freelance editing services. You can create a profile showcasing your abilities and start bidding on various projects.

One thing to remember is, it's essential to establish reasonable rates initially; as you gain experience, your earning potential will increase accordingly.

Writing Ebooks: Create your own ebooks for profit

Writing Ebooks: Create your own ebooks for profit

Writing is as therapeutic as reading. If you possess writing skills, crafting Ebooks can be an excellent avenue to make money reading books.

The hottest selling platforms such as Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing or Apple Books give you an opportunity to self-publish your eBooks and earn up to 70% royalties on sales worldwide.

So how does that work? After each successful sale of your eBook, a commission cut will go directly into your pocket.

You can select the genre according to your preference; it could be fiction or non-fiction - the sky’s the limit!

Literature Tutoring: Provide guidance in English literature studies

Literature Tutoring: Provide guidance in English literature studies

Book lovers often have a deep understanding of literature - right from plot structures to character arcs and the nuances of language aesthetics. If that resonates with you, then becoming a literature tutor might suit you like a glove!

Platforms like Chegg Tutors, or Preply, offer opportunities for individuals passionate about literature to become tutors. Imagine sharing interpretations of Shakespeare or Orwell while earning money!

When tutoring online, it's important that your lessons are structured and well-organized. Simultaneously, it's vital personalizing lessons as per student requirements - after all, everyone perceives literature differently!

Ghostwriting Services: Write content anonymously for clients

Ghostwriting Services: Write content anonymously for clients
Ghostwriting Services: Write content anonymously for clients

Ghostwriting involves writing content for others without directly receiving credit for your work. As a ghostwriter, you’re paid to relinquish your name from the written piece and it's often one of the many ways you can make money reading books.

Platforms like Freelancer and Guru are rich with clients looking for experienced writers to craft content anonymously.

For example, you might be hired to write an eBook, blog posts, articles or even entire novels. As a ghostwriter, your job is mainly about capturing the voice and style of the person for whom you're writing.

Tips for Ghostwriters:

  • Know Your Client’s Voice: Spend time getting familiar with your client’s communication style.
  • Confidentiality: Respect privacy and confidentiality agreements set by the client.
  • Adaption: Be flexible in order to write across various genres.

Blogging about Books: Share reviews on blogs with ads revenue

Blogging about Books: Share reviews on blogs with ads revenue

If you have a flare for expressing your thoughts articulately, blogging may just be your pathway to making money from books.

Sites like WordPress and Blogger provide easy-to-use interfaces for starting a blog. You could start by reviewing books that you're interested in or creating helpful guides on book-related topics.

Through ad revenue (like Google AdSense), sponsored posts or affiliate marketing (wherein you recommend books and earn commission through sites like Amazon), blogging about books can be quite profitable.

Tips For Book Bloggers:

  • Consistency is Key: Regular updates keep readers engaged.
  • SEO Practices: Use keywords, tags and categories appropriately.
  • Engage with readers: Respond to comments and questions on your blog.

Literary Podcasts / YouTube Channels

Literary Podcasts / YouTube Channels

In today's digital era, podcasts and YouTube channels have gained immense popularity due to people seeking 'listen-on-the-go' content or visual learners drawn towards video content.

Anchor.fm is an excellent platform to create podcasts on various topics – including literature reviews, literary analysis or even book readings!

Similarly, YouTube offers vast opportunities where upon gaining substantial followership; earnings can come through ad revenues or sponsored partnerships.

Here's a simple trick - Convert your blog posts into video scripts or vice-versa – cross-platform promotion!

Tips for Podcasters/Youtubers:

  • Fresh Content: Keep experimenting with new ideas.
  • Audience Engagement: Encourage audience participation via comments or queries.
  • Meta Tags & Description: Use well-researched tags plus clear descriptions help in SEO visibility.

Turn pages into profit fields! With each platform offering unique opportunities; it’s all about how innovatively you weave words into works of passion while building an income stream around it.

Script Writing: Draft scripts based on popular novels

Script Writing: Draft scripts based on popular novels

If you have a knack for visual storytelling and love dissecting literature, scriptwriting can be your ideal money-making avenue.

Interestingly, more and more popular novels are being adapted into television shows or movies.

So, there’s always a demand for talented writers who can transform page-turning thrillers into riveting screenplays.

ScriptReaderPro and ScriptRevolution are reliable platforms making this possible. These websites require some writing skills and a creative flair to draft visually exciting sequences based on popular novels.

To begin your journey as a scriptwriter:

  • Join mentioned platforms
  • Research about novel adaptations to get familiar with the process
  • Start drafting your scripts based on novels
  • Pitch or submit them on these platforms to grab profitable writing projects.

Online Literature Courses: Teach courses about literature or reading techniques

Online Literature Courses: Teach courses about literature or reading techniques

Do you thoroughly enjoy explaining the intricate details of English literature? Have you mastered various reading techniques over the years? If so, why not share this knowledge and make money along the way?

Platforms like Teachable and Udemy offer opportunities to create your online course about literature studies or reading styles. Here's how you can start:

  • Sign up as a tutor on these e-learning websites
  • Develop a syllabus for your course
  • Record engaging videos packed with insightful information
  • Set pricing for your course
  • Get reviews from students to gain credibility

Remember, consistency is key here, as is keeping the content updated according to current literary trends.

Affiliate Marketing: Provide recommendations on your blog posts

Affiliate Marketing: Provide recommendations on your blog posts

Affiliate marketing gives book-lovers an opportunity to make money simply by recommending their favorite reads!

If you run a blog post talking about books, you are just one step away from establishing affiliate links.

Popular sites like Amazon Affiliates and CJ Affiliate allow you to create affiliate links of books that can be placed in the blog posts. If someone clicks these links and makes a purchase, you get paid! Here’s how:

  • Register yourselves as an affiliate marketer on these websites
  • Choose books that align with blog content
  • Generate trackable affiliate links of chosen books
  • Insert these links in relevant posts
    5.Make sure your readers know clicking links helps support your blog

This way, not only do readers benefit from your book recommendations but you also earn passive income whenever they decide to purchase through provided links.

Translate Foreign Books If Bilingual One Hour Translation

Translate Foreign Books If Bilingual One Hour Translation

If you are fluent in more than one language, why not make money reading books by offering your skills as a translator?

Many authors and publishers are looking to expand their audience by translating their works into other languages. Two of the best platforms to find such jobs include One Hour Translation and Gengo.

On these sites, you will be able to find translation jobs that involve translating books or book summaries from one language to another.

This process allows you direct contact with various genres of literature while enhancing your skills in both languages.

You'll essentially be getting paid to read and translate vibrant tales from diverse cultures! Isn't that just a double win?

Subscription Boxes: Sell Boxes Filled with Selected Bookish Items

Subscription Boxes: Sell Boxes Filled with Selected Bookish Items

Books are undoubtedly the protagonists in the story here, but what about those side characters – the bookmarks, book sleeves, quote cards – that enhance our reading joy?

Well, subscription boxes focused on providing these bookish items have grown in popularity over the past few years.

Sites like CrateJoy and uOpen are excellent places to start this kind of business. You can curate and sell themed monthly boxes filled with books accompanied by an assortment of related items such as custom bookmarks, interesting author notes and even snacks for a perfect cozy reading session. This venture is not only creative but also profitable!

Become a Critic or Columnist for Books: Write Columns or Critical Reviews

Become a Critic or Columnist for Books: Write Columns or Critical Reviews

For those voracious readers with an analytical mind who love sharing their opinions about books, becoming a critic or columnist can prove highly rewarding. Platforms such as the The New York Times' book section provide brilliant opportunities.

Your mission is simple but impactful: read books, formulate your thoughts judiciously and pour them onto paper (or rather screen!).

Aim to dissect the plotline, evaluate character development and offer balanced critique – all while paying attention to nuances that might escape the casual reader eye.

Besides making money as you devour tales one after another – because let's face it: someone has to finance our book-buying habits! – becoming a critic offers intellectual stimulation like no other job!

No matter how you choose to earn money through reading books – be it via translation work, selling subscription boxes or breaking down literature's latest blockbuster –turning your passion for reading into an income source is a wonderful way forward.

Influencer Promoting Literacy Programs

Influencer Promoting Literacy Programs

A fantastic way to monetize your passion is through social media. Yes, it's time for you to embrace your inner influencer!

Put those selfie-taking skills to work for a good cause: promoting literacy programs. You can partner with organizations or publishing companies to increase awareness and literacy rates while making some money too.

Check out platforms like Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and Twitter. Your primary job here would be creating compelling content related to books—gramming photos of latest literary acquisitions, posting cute coffee-and-book pairings, tweeting mini-reviews, or even sharing snippets of your reading list on Instagram Stories or TikTok.

With consistent engagement, you could attract potential sponsored partnerships. Use affiliate links in your posts or captions that redirect your followers towards online book retailers' pages for a commission on sales they generate.

Once you gain substantial traction—sign-ups in the thousands—you can enter into bespoke partnerships with publishers who might pay you to review and promote their releases.

Providing Transcription Services for Audiobooks: Convert audiobooks into written text

Providing Transcription Services for Audiobooks: Convert audiobooks into written text

For those who are fast typists and excellent listeners, why not convert audiobooks into written text?

Companies like Rev.com and GoTranscript.com offer transcription services where you get paid per minute of audio transcribed.

Here's the deal an author or publisher will give you an audio file—a set of recorded chapters from an audiobook—that needs accurate transcribing.

For each minute of audio you efficiently convert into written text, you earn a fixed amount.

Sell Literary Merchandise Design and sell merchandise related to popular novels

Sell Literary Merchandise Design and sell merchandise related to popular novels

If creativity sparks joy in you along with literature immersion, why not combine these passions? With platforms like Zazzle, creating literary merchandise has never been easier.

I'm talking about mugs printed with popular novel quotes (think "Winter is Coming" from Game Of Thrones), shirts showcasing iconic characters (Sherlock Holmes silhouettes), bookmarks flaunting cover arts—the possibilities are endless!

All it takes is getting creative with designs that resonate with fellow bibliophiles out there. Selling these merchandises successfully garners both appreciation for your creative gusto and significant profits.

To sum up—platforms like Zazzle allow customization elements that help tap into a massive market of book lovers like us who wouldn't mind showing off our love for literature through our attire (or coffee mugs).

Create and Sell Handmade Bookmarks: Utilize creativity to make bookmarks

Create and Sell Handmade Bookmarks: Utilize creativity to make bookmarks

If you're inclined towards DIY projects, creating handmade bookmarks can be an incredibly fun and creative way to earn some extra bucks.

Not only are you likely to enjoy the process, but you'll also be presenting avid readers with a lovely keepsake in between their favorite pages.

Handmade bookmarks can incorporate various artistic elements like illustrations, calligraphy, bead work, dried flowers, crochet patterns -- the list is endless!

By offering a personalized touch to these bookmarks, you could craft pieces that resonate with individuals or amplify themes from popular literature.

To sell your creations online, platforms such as Etsy and Crafter serve as excellent marketplaces. Simply create an account, set up your shop detailing products and prices, and promote using social media for best results.

Freelance Columnist For News Portals: Write columns related to literature

Freelance Columnist For News Portals: Write columns related to literature

For those who harbor a passion for penned expression over embellishing ribbons or beads, composing columns related to Literature can be quite lucrative.

Newspapers and online news portals such as The Huffington Post, are always on the lookout for fresh perspectives in their Literature section.

Craft analytical pieces on literary trends, author interviews or novel reviews which don't merely narrate but incite thoughtful introspection or spirited debate among readers.

Being a freelance columnist allows you the flexibility of setting your schedule while steadily building your reputation as an influential voice within the literary sphere.

Host Literary Events: such as author meetups or book signings

Host Literary Events: such as author meetups or book signings

Organizing literary events like book clubs meetings or author's signings can be another exciting method to generate income alongside fostering community bonding within bibliophiles. Exploit platforms such as Eventbrite or Patch to promote events effectively.

Start by identifying the target audience's preferences – are they into Sci-fi or more fond of romance novels?

Once you have determined this factor based on interactions with attendees of past events or surveys held in community groups online, chalk out details - venue (virtual/ real-life), intellectual / entertaining pursuits during event-days(insights into author’s inspiration/ book-related quizzes), possible collaboration with local café’s/library’s management (for real-life context)

Develop a Reading App: Design an application dedicated to e-book reading

Develop a Reading App: Design an application dedicated to e-book reading

In today's digital era where people favor their phones over paperback copies frequently, developing a reading app could be highly engaging plus profitable if executed wisely. An app need not just provide access to digitized books but should include features like bookmarking pages; voice-over tools for difficult pronunciations; highlighting texts; dictionary linkages all under one roof!

Partnering up with eager developers found in coding forums can readily facilitate launching an E-Book reading app at relatively minimum costs (financial/time-wise).

For rookies pursuing development creatively, Bobile or Appy Pie represent user-friendly platforms enabling even non-programmers at developing functional apps matching end-user needs effortlessly.

Each of these endeavors might require time investment initially yet secured monetary benefits after initial setup combined with deep gratification rewarding efforts in due course surely compensates investment made upfront.

FAQs About Make money reading books

Can I really make money by reading books?

Absolutely! Various platforms pay for book reviews, audiobook narration, proofreading services, and you can also make money by creating literary content like blogging or creating a YouTube channel.

How much can I earn from reading books?

The earnings vary widely based on the type of work and platform. The general range is from $5 to $60 per review or job, but professional audiobook narrators or bloggers with a significant following can earn substantially more.

Where can I find opportunities to get paid to read?

Websites like Kirkus Review, ACX, Online Book Club, Upwork provide opportunities to get paid for book reviews or audiobook narration. Platforms like Etsy let you sell reading related handicrafts (like bookmarks).

Do I need any special qualifications to make money reading books?

Mostly all you need is a love for books and good comprehension skills. For some jobs like proofreading or audiobook narration, prior experience may be beneficial.

Is this a reliable source of income?

While it's possible to make some income out of it, it might not replace a full-time job immediately. However, as your experience grows and if you're able to establish a reputation in the field (such as blogging about books), it could potentially become more lucrative.

Conclusion

The idea of making money doing what you truly love – reading books – is as exciting as it sounds. It brings together passion and profession, turning an ordinary hobby into a supplementary or even primary income resource.

Exploring diverse ways like being a freelance columnist, crafting handmade bookmarks, hosting literary events, or developing a reading app can genuinely help pave a profitable path amidst the haven of literature.

While these opportunities might not instantly make you rich financially speaking, they undoubtedly contribute to a wealth of knowledge and exposure to various perspectives.

So buckle up bookworms! Get ready to dive right into this beguiling world where literature, creativity and moneymaking interlace harmoniously. Happy Reading!

Michael Restiano

I support product content strategy for Salt Money. Additionally, I’m helping develop content strategy and processes to deliver quality work for our readers.

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